DJ Devine RL Wife of DJ Texas Tornado's blog: "Serious Concerns"

 

It is amazing how our page is continuing to grow day by day. By the time 2012 finally transitions to 2013, we shall be seeing our little page grow to 1200. The goal for 2013, is to reach 2013. Is it a doable goal -- yes it is... with 365 days and an average of 3 folks joining each day now, it should be easy-peasy; hopefully, too, that we might be able to grow beyond that with the following year yielding to us a higher rate per day. We'll see. I'm not sweating it. It isn't necessarily the numbers I am after because it is the heart of you that I am after, advocating for each of you towards sharing your voice, telling your stories (whether it was you directly affected or if you, as a family/friend member were indirectly affected). We all have a story. It is by reaching out through sharing our voice, we hope to change the direction of at least one other person who might be out there suffering the effects of domestic violence. 

During 2012... we have grown too...

We gathered together to put together ideas for an Anthology in time for October. It was great and powerful with so many entries from near and far (not only within the United States, but included folks from many other countries as well). I was impacted as I got it put together. I had it all together on my computer when that computer broke and the company's device that I was using as a tool to put it together failed and their customer service failed as to recovery process. I have the entries still and will work on it again soon after the holidays are over. Holiday times are family time and not necessarily the perfect times to take on projects at the same time. It will get done though because it is very powerful and I'm certain that it will touch many, many others.
https://www.facebook.com/DomesticViolenceVoicesAnthologies?fref=ts

We started, too, a page for a Book Club so that we could focus discussions upon different books of and about domestic violence issues, as well as empowerment books. It's just a start and has been well received. I'm looking forward to having that develop more as well. 
https://www.facebook.com/DVVBookClub?fref=ts

A theme has developed in 2012 for starting discussions on storytelling... meaning the tools needed to put sense to what exactly what just happened so that we can put it behind and truly move forward -- especially, helping us to define what is our story and determining how we can put it into words in case we ever do feel prepared to share our story with others -- whether it be a 2 minute elevator response, a talk we do with other victims/survivors/thrivers of domestic violence, presentations we do for others to increase domestic violence awareness of all forms of domestic violence, etc. which has become what I call the Storytelling Project. We'll focus more and more on development of that theme. 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Storytelling-Project/207015809433190

We have also created a mode to reach to other community resource by creating a Community of the same name on Google Plus. It is only a few weeks old, but we hope to be able to do the same with Google with folks that may or may not have a facebook connection, expanding our reach to as many others. We will also incorporate Domestic Violence Voices Hangouts, inviting others to come and discuss issues. Perhaps, we'll also have a platform to discuss domestic violence books, stories, and storytelling as well. Make sure that you check in and join the G+ version of Domestic Violence Voices so that you will be automatically notified when we have "hangout" sessions.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/100003055481889545831

We had an admin at the earlier part of the year, Lisa, who backed down from the role, finding that she was having already so many irons in the fire and was suddenly faced with the need to eliminate some of the irons to find more balance in her life. I appreciate all that she did. I am also keeping an eye out for anyone else that would like to assist me in keeping this page moving and growing. Could that be you? If interested, let me know.

We also started a peer support group at the request of some Domestic Violence Voices' members, which has about 200 members. As with starting with a group of this nature, there was always some kinks to work out at first. In the end though, we seems to have found a great way to have a family of peers helping peers get through rough times and share joys. If you are a survivor of domestic violence (male or female) and would like to join this group, please let me know as it is a SECRET group and to join this group is by invitation only.

Leslie Miller, one of the members here, had expressed interest in developing a caucus group for New Mexico. I have been mentoring with her on that, and am willing to mentor anyone else on developing a caucus group in their own state who may not have a caucus group and/or not an active caucus group. Maybe Leslie would also considering being an admin for this group in 2013?

We explored in 2012 also interacting with Twitter and creating a Domestic Violence Dialogue on Twitter trying to get domestic violence to trend... and create more and more awareness of domestic violence. In 2013, we will continue to expand upon this.

We joined ALL WOMEN MARCHING FOR HOPE, headed up by Denise Wolford and company, to have a domestic violence rally here in Austin, Texas. We discovered a challenge that day that there was another run scheduled that same day that encircled the place we were to have the rally, which kept many from attending. There was a great turn out, even with the challenges, and we hope to have a bigger rally next year. More details to be forthcoming. 

We have also created a site on WordPress called Domestic Violence Voices to write more essay like posts and create a reach to others. I'm constantly looking for those that would like to contribute to the site as a contributing author. If you are interested in this, let me know.
http://domesticviolencevoices.org/

I am thinking... what else happened in 2012? lol.... Have we done enough, or is there such a thing as ever doing "enough" when it comes to increasing domestic violence awareness?

On a personal achievement notes:

1. I have revived my blogtalkradio show called BEYOND WORDS LIVE! radio show (designed with being a platform for survivors to share their story in their own words) and booking shows about survivorship, empowerment, and getting unstuck to move forward. I'm looking to book more shows about the storytelling theme as well. Be sure to hop in there when you get a chance to "follow" me there so that you can be notified when shows are scheduled in case there might be a show that you would like to listen to (and, of course, there are many shows archived that you can still listen to) on the site. 
http://blogtalkradio.com/oralhistory

2. It is my goal to, in March 2013, be a delegate to the 57th Session of the United Nation's Commission on Status of Women, where I hope to be a voice and share my voice on global issues of violence against women (including issues surrounding, but not necessarily limited to, domestic violence, human trafficking, genital mutilation, and so much more). I can't wait; just working hard on raising the funds. I'm so not a fundraiser type of person so this has been utlra challenging for me; however, I would like to see that I make it there. I'm determined to be there and thinking positively towards that goal.

3. I received a camcorder for Christmas from my wonderful boyfriend. I'm wondering how I could best incorporate this new tool into Domestic Violence Voices. Do you have any ideas??

My, and advocates working in this same industry, livelihood is in question. While I advocate to help victims to become survivors and beyond, the bailout has a trickling down effect as large corporations that normally provide a HUGE sponsoring of the business functions so that we can provide the services that we do, are pulling back with the uncertainty of the economy. If you can offer assistance (even just a voice in congress), please do. Millions of Voices Campaign Allstate's Click to Empower Texas Council of Family Violence National Domestic Violence Hotline Article in the Austin American-Statesman today.... Some area charities cut people, programs amid harsh economy SilentWitness.net Blessings for anyone's support and rememberance during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month!!! DJ Devine ~Owner @ Texas Music Mania Lounge & Lucky Hearts Chapel~Owned by T-Bone~

@ fubar Additionally, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also in October. My own mother is a breast cancer survivor, as well as many of my own friends and coworkers. Please show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness by registering at: Army of Women Below is the Travis County Counseling building promoting DVAM month.... :D

She was only 13 Her dad was a drunk Her mom was an addict Her parents kept her Locked in an attic Her only friend Was a little toy bear It was old and worn out And had patches of hair She always talked to it When no one's around She lays there and hugs it Not a peep of sound Until her parents Unlock the door Some more and more pain She'll have to endore A bruise on her leg A scar on her face Why would she be In such a horrible place? But she grabs her bear And softly crys She loves her parents But they want her to die She sits in the corner Quiet but thinking, "Please God, why is My life always sinking?" Such a bad life For a sad little kid She'd get beaten and beaten For anything she did Then one night Her mom came home high And the poor child was beaten As hours went by Then her mom suddenly Grabbed for a blade It was sharp and pointy One that she made She thrust the blade Right in her chest, "You deserve to die You worthless piece of crap!" The mom walked out Leaving the girl slowly dying She grabbed her bear And again started crying Police showed up At the small little house Then quickly barged in Everything quiet as a mouse One officer slowly Opened a door To find the little girl Lying dead on the floor It must have been bad To go through so much harm But at least she died With her best friend in her arms A child dies every day from child abuse. And if you have an ounce of pity in you for Auroura (the little girl), And you hate child abuse with a passion, Just repost this If you dont repost this you're a lazy, cold hearted person Please repost this saying: she was only 13

(repost of original by 'Dj_Meko/stutta~Asst. Head Dj@ Sunset Cafe'{FU_Hubby_2_Amitola}{OWNED by RescueDiva}' on '2008-06-18 02:24:13')

This has NOT been my experience with APD in the course of the past 3+ decades that I have been in Austin; however, I understand that the use of tasers has been questionable in many PD departments everywhere since the usage of tasers have been available to them. Police Chief Art Acevedo on the incident: 'It was very upsetting to me,' Acevedo said. 'What I saw wasn't consistent with my expectations of the men and women of the Austin Police Department. Our job is to de-escalate stops, not escalate them.' Courtesy of the Austin Police Department (to be used for training purposes)... APD Chief's Release of the Taser Video APD Officers Praise Chief's Use of Video In Training What are your thoughts? I have my own as a criminal justice major, but I would love to have your thoughts on this matter....

Preface: As many of you know, I attended a QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Class related to meeting suicide needs of people in various situations on September 10, 2007 (“World Suicide Prevention Day“), as offered and supported through the Austin/Travis County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Noel and Elizabeth Roebuck were there facilitating the class, while the class was lead by a Certified QPR Instructor, Janie E. Black, M.Ed. My interest in learning more about suicide stems from a second cousin killing himself with a shotgun (butt placed on the toilet and pointed to directly under his jaw) after returning home from a war and struggling with a variety of issues when I was in my pre-teen years…and, in later years, having friends go through bouts of suicidal tendencies, threats and attempts. Additionally, in working with domestic violence and victim situations throughout the years in the shelter and on the phones, it has been my experience that callers have called in, both from the victim and aggressor roles, with suicidal thoughts. To better prepare my effectiveness with these callers, I seek guidance from organizations that provide information and guidance to be more effective. In the past, we have been able to refer these callers to the Suicide/Hope Line by stating something to the effect of, “I think your needs would be better served by calling the Hope Line“; however, it has been my experience that we are getting more callers who have stated that they have called and were not helped by them (either put on hold forever, didn’t answer the phones, or offered no hope for them). Do we turn them away? No. We, instead, take time to listen to this caller even more intently than ever before. While this caller may not be actually going to attempt to kill themselves tonight, they are thinking about it; if they are thinking about it, they may well have indeed an a plan of action in place. Would you really want the weight of that life on your mind??? I would think not, and (as such) I do take each of these calls extremely seriously and try to provide them a ray of hope after listening to them very intently and interacting with their call. The Class: In knowing that they were going to hand out some handouts in the class, I went in slightly unprepared and didn’t have a tablet at hand to capture the statistics that they tossed out. One of the first questions, though, that was asked was -- “How many of you here today have survived suicide attempts?” (and a few raised their hand) and “How many of you here today are suicide survivors?” (and, a few more raised their hands). It was later clarified that anyone that has had the loss of a family member, friend, coworker, acquaintance, etc. are all survivors of suicide and a survivor of suicide attempt is an individual who has survived an attempt on their lives. Elizabeth Roebuck added that saying that one is a suicide survivor takes the power out of the words and allows one to be able to move forward. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer): QPR isn’t intended as a form of counseling, but is likened more to CPR as, while the fundamentals are easily learned, it just might save a life. It is the baby of Paul Quinnett in 1995. I am not going to attempt to replicate the booklet as there are some copyright issues and the basis that the booklet provided be used in conjunction with training, which a call to Noel or Elizabeth Roebuck of the Austin/Travis County Suicide Prevention Coalition can initiate the training aspects. Some highlights from my notes: * When consoling with a suicide survivor, the most important thing to remember is that their emotions are numb and much of what you say is not going to matter too much. They are not going to hear it all because their emotions are running rampant and wondering if they could have possibly have prevented their loved one’s or friend’s death. It is important to remember that your presence alone is all that they may need, as well as some reassurances that they are not to be blamed in any way, shape or form. Once a suicide attempt is made, it isn’t necessarily to die, but more to relieve themselves of some pain -- whether it is perceived or real. All one needs to say to suicide survivor is “I am sorry for your loss” because it is their loss that they are grieving for. * There is a survivor of suicide support group at the Hospice of Austin. * Highest risk group is ages 15-23; however, the most successful completions are the elderly. * Most communicate their event sometime before the event. * For the 5th year in a row, Austin has been the highest rate of suicide deaths in all of the metro cities of Texas. (There was no possible explanations provided in the class for this.) * There have been 12 suicide deaths per 100,000 population for the past 25 years. * Depression is a medical illness. * Suicidologist -- a real term and position. Our speaker for a good portion of the class, Janie Black Med (from the QPR Institute) is a suicidologist and is currently working with the University of Texas on a suicide study project. * About the hopelessness that the people who are suicidal feel, they don’t want to die; they just want the pain to go away. They have a constriction of options that seem myopic. * Asking directly to a suspected suicidal person about their feelings and thoughts, etc., does open up communications. They are wanting to talk, but don’t think most people will understand them. * Assure the suspected suicidal person that their feelings are normal and allow them to talk freely. * Do not ever ask -- “You aren’t thinking about that, are you?”, “You aren’t suicidal, are you?”, or “Are you going to hurt yourself?”. In their eyes, they aren’t going to hurt themselves, they are merely going to put themselves out of the misery and the pain. * Some good less direct approaches to ask (if you are uncomfortable with asking directly) -- “Have you been unhappy lately?”, “Have you been very unhappy lately?”, or “Have you been ever so very unhappy?” * Some good direct approaches to ask -- “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”, “You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you are thinking about suicide?”, or “You know when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I am wondering if you feel that way too?” * NOTE: If you are afraid to ask, go find someone who is not afraid to ask. * Some protective factors to bring up -- “What would your (child, parents, spouse, etc.) do if you killed yourself?” Sometimes, these will help aid in prolonging their own lives. * Don’t use the term “commit” suicide. They are not seeing it as a criminal act; they are seeing it as an act to release them from pain. * Sometimes helpful is to sit down with them and make a list of pros and cons of living or dying -- ie. A column with “Why live?” and another column with “Why die?” * A helpful book about suicide is -- LAY MY BURDEN DOWN (I didn’t catch the author’s name) Discussion regarding the many paths to suicide: FUNDAMENTAL RISK FACTORS (1) Biological - genetic load, sex glbt, race, age (2) Personal/Psychological - child abuse, loss of parent, culture shock/shift, values/ religious beliefs, drugs or alcohol (3) Environmental - season of the year, geography, urban v. rural, model for suicide PROXIMAL RISK FACTORS (“triggers” or “final straws”) * Crisis in relationship * Loss of freedom * Fired/Expelled * Illness * Major Loss * Others….real or perceived Increasing hopelessness, Contemplation of Suicide as a solution Meeting Walls of Resistances (protective factors) * Counselors/therapists * Duty to others * Job security or job skills * Responsibility of children * Support of significant others * Difficult to Access to means * A sense of hope * Positive Self Esteem * Pets * Religious prohibition * Calm environment * AA or NA Sponsor * Best friends * Safety Agreement * Treatment availability * Sobriety Causes of Death -- poison, gun, hanging, autocide, jumping, and others. Conclusion: As in wrapping up the intense study in the 2 hr class, resources were passed along. Many of them are centralized to those requiring the services in the State of Texas; however, most are also receptive to receiving calls from all over the United States and they will refer, if need be to a resource more directly related to the caller’s area. Some things to remember when talking to someone contemplating suicide -- (1) “I want you to live!” (2) “I’m on your side!” (3) Give referrals (see below….) WHEN YOU APPLY QPR, YOU APPLY HOPE, AND HOPE GIVES LIFE!! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (open 24/7) 1-800-273-TALK (or 1-800-273-8255) Please remember, if it is life threatening, 911 or the nearest hospital emergency room is advisable. To get immediate care when talking to a healthcare provider, they need to be sure to say that they are in danger of harming themselves and use the word “suicidal”. Texas MHMR and Crisis Hotlines in Texas: * Texas Council of Community MHMR Centers (http://www.TX council.com/crisis.html) * Texas Suicide Prevention (http://www.TexasSuicidePrevention.org) * Coming Together To Care: A Toolkit for Texas Communities’ Appendix (http://www.MHATexas.org) For Additional Information: * QPR Institute (http://www.qprinstitute.com) * Suicide Prevention Resource Center (http://www.sprc.org) * American Association of Suicidology (AAS) (http://www.sociology.org) * American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) (http://www.afsp.org) * Texas QPR Gatekeeper Trainer/Mentor -- Merily Keller (mhkeller@onr.com) * Texas SPR Gatekeeper Trainer -- Elizabeth Roebuck (nroebuck@ix.netcom.com) * Austin Travis County Plan for Suicide Prevention: Guidelines for Suicide Prevention, which was submitted to Mayor Will Wynn in August 2005 (http://www.atcmhmr.com/about_us/Suicide_Prevention_Plan_200507.PDF) Emergency Interventions in Austin, TX (check for similar resources in other cities nationwide): * Crisis Line - Austin Travis County MHMR Center 512-454-3521 or 512-472-4357(HELP) * Seton Shoal Creek Hospital 512-324-2029 * Austin State Hospital 512-419-2810 * St. David’s Pavillion 512-867-5800 * Veteran’s Administration 512-389-1010 * Breckenridge Emergency Room 512-324-7010 * Seton Emergency Room 512-324-1010 * Seton Northwest Emergency Room 512-324-6010 * Seton Southwest Emergency Room 512-324-9010 * St. David’s Emergency Room 512-397-4240 * South Austin Emergency Room 512-4488-7160 * North Austin Medical Center Emergency Room 512-901-1100 * 211 Information and referral line (211) * Access Homeless Services 512-478-5644 * Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) 512-305-4100 * Salvation Army 512-476-1111 * Substance Abuse Outreach, Screening, Assessment and Referral (OSAR) 1-800-508-0834 * Austin Recovery 1-800-373-2081 or 512-697-8600 College (Do not necessarily need to be a student of these colleges) * UT Austin 512-471-2255 * Concordia University 512-486-1222 * St. Edward’s University 512-448-8444 Local Dates to Remember: September 9-15, 2007 -- National Suicide Prevention Week (www.aas.org) September 23, 2007 -- Out of the Darkness (http://www.outofthedarkness.org) Community Walk for AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) at the Texas State Capitol (registration at 10am, 3K walk begins at 11am) NOTE: Should anyone desire any clarification of the above, please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to clarify.

Razor

@ fubar May she rest in peace. A senseless death.... There is help out there for those in domestic violence situations.... if you are, or know of anyone in a domestic violence situation.... please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Okay... UPDATE!!! Apparently it was a cry out for attention??? Ughghghghg.. can't stand it when people cry wolf... however, it is apparent that she does need help of some sort... See bulletin: which proves up that DJ Razor IS very much alive.

Just received an update from the Austin American Stateman..... Four were hurt.... "Workers in concession area were injured; officials say one is in critical condition, three others have second- to third-degree burns." Prayers for the healing of these folks would be appreciated.... THE REST OF THE STORY SO FAR >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Fire at the ACL festival grounds By Michael Barnes | Friday, September 14, 2007, 02:40 PM A column of black smoke billowed over ACL’s festival grounds at 2:30 p.m. as a fire erupted in a trailer behind the beverage vendor tents between the WaMu and AT&T stages. Multiple fire engines and EMS crews arrived on the scene near the Town Lake Tavern beverage area on Lou Neff Road by 2:50 p.m. Two people are critically injured and were taken to Brackenridge Hospital. Others have received second- and third-degree burns, according to Assistant Fire Chief Jim Evans. He reports that, according to 911 callers, multiple trailers were on fire. A hazardous materials team also responded. Crowds cleared a path on the service road for the fire trucks, which rolled quickly toward the blaze. Organizers stopped the music and cleared half the area in front of the AT&T stage, pushing people to the south. By 3:10 p.m., police tape had been removed from most of the scene and the music resumed. “Around 2:30, I heard some popping noises,” said Courtney Powell, who was watching Pete Yorn on the AT&T stage. “You’d see a little smoke, then two cops went running in that direction.” “It took a good 15 minutes for the fire department to get there,” said Wendell Fleming, a concertgoer from College Station. “It all took place in a working area for employees only in the back perimeter,” said Troy Officer, emergency service coordinator for the festival during a short news conference. “No patrons were ever in danger. The crowd was great, assisting officers setting up emergency tape. The immediate area around the fire was cleared within minutes.”

There was a fire just recently that erupted and went live on the tv news stations because of the event associated with it being one of the larger events in Austin's Music Scene -- the Austin City Limits!!! Fortunately, the ongoers there this morning weren't packed in and there was no mania. It is unclear what exactly exploded at the scene and caused the fire, but Austin Fire Department's finest put out the fire very quickly. Fortunately, it was on the perimeter of the site. Okay... now it was announced that it was some propane tanks in an area not visited by concert ongoers and behind the stage set up area of one of the stages.... It could have been much worse, if the area was packed as it would surely be tonight. Whew!! They are already letting people back into the area, which is a good sign. I am sure that they are going to be monitoring the embers of the fire burst.... So far, they are saying everything is a "GO!!!" for the concert goers to the Austin City Limits vast music festival!!!! Thanks to Austin's fine AFD coming to the rescue and putting out the fire as quickly as it flamed up!!! The smoke was ten times worse as the fire it appears. The joke they are saying is that ACL has started off with a bang this year! I am certainly relieved that it is something that we can all chuckle about.....

"September 11th will forever be regarded as a day that changed America," said Perry. "We were reminded that the evil in the hearts of men can manifest itself in harm to those people and institutions we most deeply cherish, even in places we long regarded as safe. Today, and everyday, we pledge to honor the memory of these innocents, pray for the healing of their families, and work for the protection of our state and nation. " -- (State of Texas) Governor Rick Perry September 11, 2007